West to the Dawn

About the Book

West to the Dawn is an inspirational story of courage, hope and adventure. Devastated by the suicide of her husband, Jackie had a choice: to retreat and withdraw, nursing the guilt that overwhelmed her, or find a way to reconcile the beautiful years they spent together and the cause of his actions.

The idea of a pilgrimage, a running away to find time to be alone, to think, became her quest. When an opportunity to teach in Thailand presented itself, she grasped it, and fled West.

West to the Dawn tells of one lone woman’s adventures while living for two years in the Golden Triangle of Northern Thailand. At the same time she is exploring and experiencing this exotic, unfamiliar culture, Jackie reviews events leading up to her husband’s death. By the end of the story, the reader will feel they know Thailand, and will also have learned how Jackie’s experiences released her from her guilt and enabled her to find healing and peace.

About the Author

Born in a small Midwestern town, Jackie grew up in a home where her parents entertained varied and fascinating guests from all walks of life and all corners of the world. After moving West and graduating from San Francisco State College, she married a fellow teacher with whom she raised her two children while they both continued their teaching careers. In 1978, her husband, Lee, committed suicide. Jackie, as a means to escape the guilt and pain usual to suicide survivors, took a two-year teaching position in Thailand. She returned home, married a long-time friend, John McKinley, and now lives in Northern California with a large extended family.